Magnesium RBC Test

Magnesium RBC Test

This test is used to evaluate Magnesium, an important blood mineral, in red blood cells.  Magnesium is needed for for strong bones and muscles, heart health, energy production, and nerve function.  Magnesium levels are typically checked to evaluate kidney function, aid in the diagnosis of certain gastrointestinal disorders, or determine the severity of uncontrolled diabetes.  Magnesium deficiency can be associated with malnutrition, malabsorption, chronic diarrhea, and alcoholism.

A Magnesium RBC test can provide an earlier indicator of Magnesium deficiency than a standard Magnesium blood test.  When levels are low, the body will pull Magnesium from the cells to keep blood levels normal.  In this case a Magnesium blood test may show normal levels while a Magnesium RBC test will give a more accurate result.

When someone is experiencing symptoms associated with Magnesium deficiency this is an ideal test. Such symptoms include weakness or cramping in the muscles, confusion, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmias.  Disorder which affects the kidneys may also benefit from an assessment of one’s Magnesium RBC test results.  It may also be ordered to monitor people who are taking Magnesium supplements.

CPT# – 83735